Harvesting attachment comprising control and regulating electronics

Abstract

The invention relates to a harvesting attachment (2) comprising control and regulating electronics (6) for controlling machine functions, said harvesting attachment being operatable together with a carrier machine (4). The aim of the invention is to allow the harvesting machine to be operated with different carrier machines. To this end the control and regulating electronics (6) have a data interface (8), which is provided for a bidirectional exchange of input data (12) and output data (14) between the attachment and the carrier machine, and a machine identification module (16), which is designed to use a sensor system (18) in order to identify a carrier machine (4) currently connected to the harvesting attachment (2). The machine identification module (16) also comprises a library (24) of data communication-relevant specifications (S) that are read and transmitted to the data interface after the carrier machine is identified, said data interface then checking whether the data content is relevant to compatibility and modifying the data as needed.

Description

[0001] Harvesting header with control and regulation electronics

[0002] The present invention relates to a harvesting attachment with control and regulation electronics for controlling machine functions, which has a data interface for the bidirectional exchange of data with the electronics of a carrier machine. The data interface is designed by means of software to receive input data from the carrier machine and provide it to the control and regulation electronics for further processing, and to receive output data from the control and regulation electronics of the harvesting attachment and provide it to the carrier machine. The invention also relates to a method for operating a harvesting attachment with control and regulation electronics for controlling machine functions according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0003] EP 1 232 682 A1 discloses a harvesting header mounted on a combine harvester. The harvesting header communicates via a detector with an electronic engine control system mounted on the combine harvester. To ensure successful communication between the harvesting header and the combine harvester, both machines are designed accordingly.

[0004] EP 2 382 854 A1 discloses a harvesting header with a conveyor belt slip control system. If the sensors located in the harvesting header detect slippage, a corresponding signal is immediately transmitted to the electronics of the combine harvester to which the harvesting header is attached. The driver of the host machine receives a corresponding alarm message on the display in his cab. The driver can respond to an incoming alarm message and transmit control commands from the cab to the electronics of the harvesting header via the electronics built into the host machine. Communication between the host machine and the harvesting header is thus bidirectional.A microprocessor located on the harvesting header and the vehicle electronics of the carrier machine are designed to communicate bidirectionally with each other in both machines in order to exchange the relevant information and control commands between the electronics of the harvesting header and the carrier machine.

[0005] If, in the two cases described above, the carrier machine and the attached harvesting header are designed to communicate with each other, both machines can function smoothly together during harvesting. However, a problem arises when the harvesting header is to be attached to a carrier machine that is not specifically designed to communicate with that particular harvesting header.When a harvesting header is mounted on different carrier machines, it may happen in such cases that not all sensor signals, operating parameters, switching states and control variables of components, alarm messages, and the like are transmitted from the harvesting header to the carrier machine. Conversely, it is also possible that switching and control commands from a carrier machine operator, queries about the operating states of the harvesting header, information about the operating states of the carrier machine, and the like are not transmitted from the carrier machine to the harvesting header. For this reason, it is currently not possible to operate a harvesting header together with a carrier machine where the harvesting header cannot be adapted to the technical requirements of the carrier machine for communication between the carrier machine and the harvesting header.

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to enable the attachment of a harvesting header to different carrier machines while maintaining electronic communication between these machines.

[0007] The problem is solved for a generic harvesting header by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0008] The object is achieved for a generic method according to the preamble of claim 13 by a method which is carried out with a harvesting attachment according to one of claims 1 to 12.

[0009] If the control and regulation electronics of the harvesting header incorporate a machine recognition module designed to use sensors to detect a carrier machine currently connected to the harvesting header, this enables the control and regulation electronics to automatically recognize the carrier machine connected to the harvesting header without the operator having to check compatibility and make any adjustments to the harvesting header and / or the carrier machine when connecting or operating the harvesting header. This prevents potential operating errors. The control and regulation electronics can then adapt the electronic communication to the specific characteristics of the detected carrier machine in an automated process.

[0010] The sensors used by the machine recognition module to identify the manufacturer and / or type of carrier machine can, for example, consist solely of a software program programmed to determine and further process relevant data for identification. Such a software program can, for example, initiate and execute query routines when the harvesting header is connected to a carrier machine and its electronics to obtain relevant data. However, the sensors can also additionally or alternatively receive relevant data via user inputs. Finally, the sensors can also include appropriate devices, such as an optical sensor, such as a digital camera with image analysis, and / or a scanner, barcode reader, or the like, whose sensor values ​​assist in identifying a manufacturer and / or the type of carrier machine.

[0011] The machine recognition module is programmed to identify and evaluate information about the carrier machine when the harvesting header is connected and / or during operation. It is possible that the relevant information is stored in the carrier machine and is ready for access, so that this information only needs to be queried and read out. It is also possible, however, that the machine recognition module uses a corresponding software program in a query routine to analyze and evaluate the connection behavior of the carrier machine's electronics as well as the electronic communication between the carrier machine's electronic modules, and from this to determine a specific manufacturer and / or type of a specific machine. Such programming is an example of a sensor system for detecting a harvesting machine currently connected to the harvesting header.The machine recognition module can also query and evaluate the presence of specific information, equipment of the carrier machine, data formats, and the like, and use this to determine a manufacturer and / or a specific type of carrier machine. The machine recognition module can also be designed to detect whether certain equipment options are present on the carrier machine, particularly those that affect the operation of the harvesting header.

[0012] The machine recognition module can be specifically designed to detect the make of a carrier machine. Different carrier machine manufacturers can use different components and modules, as well as different system architectures for their electronic communication. The sensors can be designed to detect such manufacturer-specific characteristics if no plain-text information is provided by the manufacturer. The differences between different manufacturers can begin with the fact that, for example, individual manufacturers only permit the use of and communication with harvesting attachments manufactured by the same manufacturer on their carrier machines.To ensure that a carrier machine from such a manufacturer is recognized and the harvesting header can be operated with a carrier machine from such a manufacturer, the machine recognition module can switch to a simulation program upon identification of a carrier machine from such a manufacturer, which simulates a harvesting header from this manufacturer for the carrier machine. Through the electronic simulation of such a harvesting header and the carrier machine's response to the simulation, it is possible to identify the manufacturer and possibly also the type of carrier machine.

[0013] In addition to manufacturer recognition or alternatively to manufacturer recognition as a form of recognition of a carrier machine connected to the offset device, the machine recognition module can also be designed to recognize a specific series or a specific carrier machine type.

[0014] Depending on the type of carrier machine, it is possible, for example, to transfer data to be transmitted in data formats that can be read and processed by the respective receiving machine in the respective electronic network. This means that operating states or alarm messages from the harvesting header can be shown on standard displays in the driver's cab of a specific type of carrier machine. This eliminates the need to install a separate display and operating panel specifically for the harvesting offset device in the driver's cab. Likewise, it may be possible to use existing controls on the carrier machine to input control commands to the harvesting header, because the machine recognition module enables operator inputs via controls found on a recognized type of carrier machine to be translated into control commands that match the harvesting header in use.By recognizing a specific type of carrier machine, communication between the carrier machine and the harvesting header can be adjusted accordingly. In this case, the installation of special controls for the harvesting header in the carrier machine's driver's cab is unnecessary. A carrier machine driver can also operate and control the harvesting header using the controls they are familiar with.

[0015] Advantageously, the machine recognition module has access to a library via software programming in which data communication-relevant specifications of various carrier machines are stored. The library can be part of the machine recognition module and stored therein, but it can also be stored remotely in an external memory that the machine recognition module can access as needed. For example, the library can be stored in the cloud, which the machine recognition module can then access via an interface connected to the internet. The data communication-relevant specifications contain information that enables communication between the control and regulation electronics of the harvesting header and the electronic components of the carrier machine.For example, the library may contain relevant addresses for the transmission of information, communication protocols, the timing of bus networks, arbitration, programming languages, compilers and the like.

[0016] The machine recognition module features software programming that allows it to read a data communication-relevant specification from the library that matches a detected carrier machine. The data communication-relevant specification contains the information and data on the parameters that must be activated in the data interface for functioning communication between the harvesting header and the detected carrier machine. By reading the appropriate data communication-relevant specification, the information contained in the specification is made available to the control and regulation electronics of the header, and in particular, the data interface.

[0017] The control and regulation electronics feature software programming, which transmits the read data communication-relevant specification to the data interface. The software programming can be part of the recognition module, but it can also be integrated into the control and regulation electronics outside of the machine recognition module. By transmitting the data communication-relevant specification, it becomes usable for the data interface. Based on the transmitted data communication-relevant specification, the data interface can individualize and adapt the electronic communication between the harvesting header and the carrier machine in such a way that functional data exchange between the harvesting header and a recognized carrier machine is possible.

[0018] The data interface is a software and hardware component of the header's control and regulation electronics. Electronic communication between the carrier machine and the header is handled via the data interface. The software consists of a software program designed to handle communication between the header and the carrier machine. The hardware provides the corresponding physical connections and the necessary computing capacity.

[0019] The data interface is designed, via software programming, to check the input and output data for data content that is relevant to the compatibility with the read-out data communication-relevant specification. The check is carried out, in particular, based on the transmitted data communication-relevant specification. If this check reveals compatibility deficiencies in data that is to be transmitted from the harvesting attachment to the carrier machine via the data interface or that has been transmitted from the carrier machine to the harvesting attachment, this indicates, depending on the result, the deletion, modification, and / or addition of data in order to establish compatibility in the data communication between the harvesting attachment and the carrier machine.The data interface modifies compatibility-relevant data via software programming before providing input data to the control and regulation electronics and output data to the host machine if the compatibility-relevant data does not meet the requirements of the transmitted data communication-relevant specification. The modification is carried out by deleting, adding, and / or changing data. Upon detecting the manufacturer and / or type of host machine, the data interface of the control and regulation electronics of the harvesting header can, in particular, switch to an operating mode in which the data to be transmitted from the harvesting header to the host machine is transmitted in a data format in which the data to be transmitted is also transportable and readable for the electronics of the host machine.Depending on the detected manufacturer and / or machine type, data can be sent to different recipients in the electronic architecture of the host machine via appropriate addressing of the data packets. Conversely, the control and regulation electronics of the harvesting header can convert the data transmitted by the host machine into data formats that can be read and further processed by the electronics of the harvesting header. The control and regulation electronics can prevent the transmission of data to the host machine that cannot be processed by the control and regulation electronics of a host machine, and it can block the transmission of data to the harvesting header that cannot be read and / or further processed by the control and regulation electronics of the harvesting header.Conversely, data can also be added in either direction that is not provided to the host machine by default from the header but that the host machine requires for trouble-free operation, and / or that is not provided to the header by the host machine but that the header requires for trouble-free operation. Added data can be calculated by a simulation program, but it is also possible to determine the relevant data if the header is equipped with appropriate sensors.

[0020] Depending on the type of carrier machine, it is possible, for example, to perform appropriate registration routines and / or to transfer data to be transmitted in data formats that can be read and processed by the respective receiving machine in the respective electronic network. This allows operating states or alarm messages from the harvesting header to be displayed on standard displays in the driver's cab of a specific type of carrier machine. This eliminates the need to install a separate display and control panel specifically for the harvesting header in the driver's cab.Likewise, it may be possible for operating elements present on the carrier machine to be used to input control commands to the harvesting header, because the machine recognition module enables operator inputs via operating elements present on a recognized type of carrier machine to be translated into control commands that match the harvesting header in use. By recognizing a specific manufacturer, the control and regulation electronics can adapt to transmitting data using specific data transmission protocols or addressing data to specific recipients. Without adaptation to the manufacturer-specific data transmission protocols, operation of the non-manufacturer harvesting header with the carrier machine in question would otherwise be impossible or only possible with limited functionality.

[0021] By identifying a specific type of carrier machine, communication between the carrier machine and the harvesting header can be adapted accordingly. In this case, the installation of special controls for the harvesting header in the driver's cab of the carrier machine is unnecessary. A carrier machine driver can also operate and control the harvesting header using the controls they are familiar with. Certain manufacturers, for example, generally or for specific machine types, use specific data transmission protocols or a standardized architecture of the electronic network in the carrier machine through which electronic information is exchanged.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the input data contains control commands and / or status queries generated by the carrier machine, and the output data contains sensor data on switch positions and / or operating states of machine components. For these input and output data contents, it is advantageous to adapt the data based on machine recognition in order to ensure functional data exchange between the harvesting header and the carrier machine. According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmitted data communication-relevant specifications contain information about the registration routines, protocols, clock rates, network nodes, addresses, prioritizations, control units, peripheral devices connected to the bus network, and / or software updates used in a carrier machine in a bus network. This list is to be understood as exemplary only and is not exhaustive.A submitted data communication-relevant specification for a specific carrier machine may contain fewer points than those listed above. However, the points listed represent typical issues that can prevent functioning communication between a harvesting header and a carrier machine from working.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmitted data communication-relevant specifications contain information about the protocols, clock rates, network nodes, addresses, control units, peripheral devices connected to the bus network, and / or software updates used in the bus network installed in the harvesting header. In order to be able to check the input and output data for possible compatibility issues, it is advantageous if relevant information on the specifications of the harvesting header is also available for comparison purposes.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the data interface compares the read and transmitted data communication-relevant specification in a test run with the actual specification of an electronic network connected to the data interface and installed on the host machine via software programming. If differences are detected between the data of the read data communication-relevant specification and the actual specification of the host machine, the data of the read data communication-relevant specification is adjusted to the data of the actual specification. The test run can be used to verify whether the information stored in the read and transmitted data communication-relevant specification is correct.

[0025] If a difference is detected, an adjustment is made to avoid, if possible, operation of the header with an incorrect specification.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the data interface simulates compatibility-relevant input data via software programming if no data is available from control commands and / or status queries currently provided by the carrier machine. Simulating data makes it possible to operate a combination of a harvesting header with a carrier machine that would not be operable together without the simulation due to a lack of corresponding data. It can be provided that an operator interface is provided for the simulation, via which an operator can specify upper and / or lower limit values ​​or specific actual values ​​for the simulation.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the data interface simulates compatibility-relevant output data via software programming if no data is available from sensor data currently provided by the control and regulation electronics regarding switch positions and / or operating states of machine components. Simulating output data also makes it possible to operate a combination of a harvesting header with a carrier machine that would not be operable together without the simulation due to a lack of corresponding data. Here, too, an operator interface can be provided for the simulation, via which an operator can specify upper and / or lower limit values ​​or specific actual values ​​for the simulation.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the data interface blocks compatibility-relevant input data via software programming if the read and transmitted data communication-relevant specification contains an indication that the corresponding input data cannot be further processed by the control and regulation electronics of the harvesting header. The interfering input data is thus masked out by the data interface in communication with the host machine, so that it can no longer disrupt communication.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the data interface blocks compatibility-relevant output data via software programming if the read and transmitted data communication-relevant specification contains an indication that the corresponding output data cannot be further processed by the host machine. The interfering output data is thus masked out by the data interface during communication with the host machine, so that it can no longer disrupt communication.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the data interface has an Internet

[0031] Interface for data exchange with the Internet, via which data relating to a data communication-relevant specification, a carrier machine and / or a modification of input data and output data can be exchanged programmatically. The data interface can send data to or receive data from the Internet via the additional Internet interface. The harvesting header is therefore not necessarily dependent on being able to establish communication with the carrier machine in order to enable data exchange. The data interface can also operate the Internet interface in parallel with the communication interface to the carrier machine. This enables parallel data exchange with the Internet on the one hand and the carrier machine on the other. Data communication via the Internet interface can be wireless.

[0032] The data interface can be equipped with a permanently installed SIM card to independently establish an internet connection at any time. The data interface can also connect to a nearby mobile electronics device, such as a smartphone, to process the data exchange. The connection can be established automatically or initiated by an operator. The mobile electronics device can be equipped with a corresponding app for this purpose. Data exchange with the mobile electronics device can take place, for example, via a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, or other suitable connection technologies.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control and regulation electronics of the harvesting attachment receive information via the data communication-relevant specification regarding which operation-relevant information is available from the carrier machine via the data interface. Based on this information, the control and regulation electronics select an operating mode in which the harvesting attachment can be operated in combination with the detected carrier machine. In this embodiment of the invention, the control and regulation electronics essentially creates a selection of how the carrier machine can be operated together with this attachment. The operating mode can be fixed in terms of its functional scope, or the operating mode can offer a selection menu at its start or during operation in which specific functional combinations can be selected and activated.The selectable combinations may relate to the control of the driven components of the harvesting header, the selection and operation of the sensors present in the harvesting header and / or the selection and type of displays of operating parameters as well as the selection and type of control devices for the operation of the harvesting header in the carrier machine.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control and regulation electronics have an interface to an operating unit, via which an operator can enter a data communication-relevant specification or change a transmitted data communication-relevant specification. Individual settings can be made via the operating unit. The operating unit can have a user interface in which the respective data communication-relevant specification and the associated settings are displayed. Data and settings for the data interface can then be entered, changed, or deleted on the display.

[0035] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the subject description. All features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or even on their own, provided there are no compelling technical obstacles to this.

[0036] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] They show:

[0038] Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of a combination of a carrier machine with a harvesting header, and

[0039] Fig. 2: an enlarged schematic diagram of the machine recognition module,

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a harvesting header 2 with control and regulation electronics 6 for controlling machine functions, which has a data interface 8 for the bidirectional exchange of data with the electronics 10 of a carrier machine 4. The data interface 8 is designed by means of software to receive input data 12 from the carrier machine 4 and provide it to the control and regulation electronics 6 for further processing and to receive output data 14 from the control and regulation electronics 6 of the harvesting header 2 and provide it to the carrier machine 4. The control and regulation electronics 6 has a machine recognition module 16, which is designed to recognize a carrier machine 4 currently connected to the harvesting header 2 using a sensor system 18.

[0041] The carrier machine 4 also has a data interface 8 in its associated electronics 10. When the harvesting header 2 is mounted on the carrier machine 4, the two data interfaces 8 can exchange the input and output data 12, 14 with each other via a corresponding connection 20. The connection can be established physically via a corresponding cable, as shown in Fig. 1, or there can be a temporarily established or permanently present wireless connection via which the data is exchanged, such as a WLAN, Bluetooth, or other wireless connection technology, which are indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 1. A combination of both connection technologies is also possible.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of the control and regulation electronics

[0043] 6 with the data interface 8. The data interface 8 is controlled by software 22. The software 22 processes the incoming input data 12 and forwards it to the machine recognition module 16, which is a component of the data interface 8. The machine recognition module 16 has access, via programming of the software 22, to a library 24 in which data communication-relevant specifications S of various carrier machines 4 are stored. A library 24 located in a cloud or on the server of an agricultural machinery manufacturer or dealer can also be accessed via the software 22 and an internet connection connected to it.

[0044] The machine recognition module 16 has a software 22 program with which it reads a data communication-relevant specification S matching a recognized carrier machine 4 from the library 24. Fig. 2 shows that several specifications Si-n are stored in one of the libraries 24. From these various specifications Si-n, the software 22 can select and read out a suitable specification S. The control and regulation electronics 6 has a software 22 program with which it transmits the read data communication-relevant specification S to the data interface 8. After the data communication-relevant specification S has been transmitted, the software 22 of the control and regulation electronics 6 can adapt the communication parameters between the harvesting header 4 and the corresponding carrier machine 4 accordingly.The data interface 8 of the control and regulation electronics 6 of the harvesting header 2 can then communicate with the data interface 8 of the electronics 10 of the detected carrier machine 4. For communication, the data interface 8 is designed, via programming of the software 22, to check the input data 12 and the output data 14 for data content that has compatibility relevance to the read-out data communication-relevant specification S. The data interface 8 modifies compatibility-relevant data via programming of the software 22 before providing input data 12 of the control and regulation electronics 6 and output data 14 of the carrier machine 4 if the compatibility-relevant data does not meet the requirements of the transmitted data communication-relevant specification S.

[0045] The data interface 8 can, via programming of the software 22, compare the read-out and transmitted data communication-relevant specification S in a test run with the actual specification of an electronic network connected to the data interface 8 and installed on the carrier machine 4 and, if differences are detected between the data of the read-out data communication-relevant specification S and the actual specification of the carrier machine 4, adapt the data of the read-out data communication-relevant specification S to the data of the actual specification.

[0046] If necessary, the data interface 8 can simulate compatibility-relevant input data 12 via programming of the software 22 if no data is available from control commands and / or status queries currently provided by the carrier machine 4. The data can be, for example, switch-on or switch-off commands, target parameters for operating parameters of machine components that can be set by a user for the harvesting attachment, data on operating pressures of a working hydraulic system, speeds of drive shafts, and / or operating states of the electronics of the carrier machine.

[0047] The data interface 8 can simulate compatibility-relevant output data 14 via programming of the software 22 if no data is available from sensor data currently provided by the control and regulation electronics 6 regarding switching positions and / or operating states of machine components.For example, the working height of the harvesting header 2 as a whole and / or of its parts, for example a reel, the swivel angle of the harvesting header 2 in relation transversely to the longitudinal axis of the carrier machine 4 pointing in the working direction, the angle of attack of the harvesting header 2 to the ground, the cutting frequency of the cutter bar, the reel speed, the reel position, the conveying speed of conveying elements, throughput or loss quantities, speeds and / or load conditions of working elements or operating pressures of the working hydraulics can be simulated via the simulation if the carrier machine requires corresponding data in order to be able to operate together with the harvesting header.

[0048] The data interface 8 can block compatibility-relevant input data 12 via programming the software 22 if the read and transmitted data communication-relevant specification S contains an indication that the corresponding input data 12 cannot be further processed by the control and regulation electronics 6 of the front harvesting attachment 2. The data interface 8 can block compatibility-relevant output data 14 via programming the software 22 if the read data communication-relevant specification S contains an indication that the corresponding output data 14 cannot be further processed by the carrier machine 4.

[0049] The data interface 8 can have an Internet interface 26 for data exchange with the Internet, via which data can be exchanged in a program-controlled manner to a data communication-relevant specification S, a carrier machine 4 and / or a modification of input data 12 and output data 14.

[0050] The control and regulation electronics 6 of the harvesting header 2 can receive information via the data communication-relevant specification S about which operation-relevant information is available from the carrier machine 4 via the data interface 8, and the control and regulation electronics 6 can use this information to select an operating mode in which the harvesting header 2 can be operated in combination with the detected carrier machine 4.

[0051] The control and regulation electronics 6 can have an interface 28 to an operating unit 30, via which an operator can enter a data communication-relevant specification S or change a transmitted data communication-relevant specification S.

[0052] The invention is not limited to the above embodiment. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to modify the embodiment in a manner they deem appropriate to adapt it to a specific application.

[0053] List of reference symbols

[0054] Harvesting header

[0055] carrier machine

[0056] Control and regulation electronics

[0057] Data interface

[0058] Electronics of the carrier machine

[0059] Input data

[0060] Output data

[0061] Machine recognition module

[0062] Sensor technology

[0063] Connection

[0064] software

[0065] library

[0066] Internet interface

[0067] interface

[0068] Control unit data communication relevant specification

Claims

Patent claims 1. Harvesting attachment (2) with control and regulation electronics (6) for controlling machine functions, which has a data interface (8) for the bidirectional exchange of data with the electronics (10) of a carrier machine (4), wherein the data interface (8) is designed by means of software (22) to receive input data (12) from the carrier machine (4) via a connection (20) and to provide it to the control and regulation electronics (6) for further processing and to receive output data (14) from the control and regulation electronics (6) of the harvesting attachment (2) and to provide it to the carrier machine (4), characterized in that the control and regulation electronics (6) - a machine recognition module (16) which is designed to recognize, with a sensor system (18), a carrier machine (4) currently connected to the harvesting header (2), - the machine recognition module (16) has access to a library (24) via programming of the software (22) in which data communication-relevant specifications (S) of various carrier machines (4) are stored, - the machine recognition module (16) has a programming of the software (22) with which it reads out a data communication-relevant specification (S) from the library (24) that matches a recognized carrier machine (4), - the control and regulation electronics (6) have a programming of the software (22) with which it transmits the read-out data communication-relevant specification (S) of the data interface (8), - the data interface (8) is designed, via programming of the software (22), to check the input data (12) and the output data (14) for data contents that have compatibility relevance to the read-out data communication-relevant specification (S), - the data interface (8) modifies compatibility-relevant data via programming of the software (22) before providing input data (12) of the control and regulation electronics (6) and output data (14) of the carrier machine (4) if the compatibility-relevant data do not meet the requirements of the transmitted data communication-relevant specification (S).

2. Harvesting attachment (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the input data (12) contain setting commands and / or status queries generated by the carrier machine and the output data (14) contain sensor data on switching positions and / or operating states of machine components.

3. Harvesting attachment (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmitted data communication-relevant specifications (S) contain information about the registration routines, protocols, clock rates, network nodes, addresses, prioritizations, control devices, peripheral devices connected to the bus network and / or software updates used in a carrier machine (4) in a bus network.

4. Harvesting header (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitted data communication-relevant specifications (S) contain information about the protocols, clock rates, network nodes, addresses, control devices, peripheral devices connected to the bus network and / or software updates used in the bus network installed in the harvesting header (2).

5. Harvesting attachment (2) according to one of the preceding claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the data interface (8) compares the read out and transmitted data communication-relevant specification (S) in a test run with the actual specification of an electronic network connected to the data interface (8) and installed on the carrier machine (4) via programming of the software (22), and if differences are found between the data of the read out data communication-relevant specification (S) and the actual specification of the carrier machine (4), the data of the read out data communication-relevant specification (S) is adapted to the data of the actual specification.

6. Harvesting attachment (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data interface (8) simulates compatibility-relevant input data (12) via programming of the software (22) if no data from control commands and / or status queries currently provided by the carrier machine (4) are available for this purpose.

7. Harvesting attachment (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data interface (8) simulates compatibility-relevant output data (14) via programming of the software (22) if no data from sensor data currently provided by the control and regulation electronics (6) about switching positions and / or operating states of machine components are available for this purpose.

8. Harvesting attachment (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data interface (8) blocks compatibility-relevant input data (12) via programming of the software (22) if the read-out and transmitted data communication-relevant specification (S) contains an indication that corresponding input data (12) cannot be further processed by the control and regulation electronics (6) of the harvesting attachment (2).

9. Harvesting attachment (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data interface (8) blocks compatibility-relevant output data (14) via programming of the software (22) if the read-out data communication-relevant specification (S) contains an indication that corresponding output data (14) cannot be further processed by the carrier machine (4).

10. Harvesting attachment (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data interface (8) is an Internet interface (26) for Data exchange with the Internet, through which data can be programmatically a data communication-relevant specification (S), a carrier machine (4) and / or a modification of input data (12) and output data (14) are interchangeable.

11. Harvesting attachment (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and regulation electronics (6) of the harvesting attachment (2) receives information via the data communication-relevant specification (S) about which operation-relevant information is available from the carrier machine (4) via the data interface (8), and the control and regulation electronics (6) selects an operating mode on the basis of this information in which the harvesting attachment (2) can be operated in combination with the recognized carrier machine (4).

12. Harvesting attachment (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and regulation electronics (6) have an interface (28) to an operating unit (30) via which an operator can enter a data communication-relevant specification (S) or change a transmitted data communication-relevant specification (S).

13. Method for operating a harvesting attachment (2) with control and regulation electronics (6) for controlling machine functions, which has a data interface (8) for the bidirectional exchange of data with a carrier machine (4), wherein the data interface (8) receives input data (12) from the carrier machine (4) and the control and regulation electronics (6) for Provides further processing and receives output data (14) from the control and regulation electronics (6) of the harvesting attachment (2) and provides it to the carrier machine (4), characterized in that the method is carried out with a harvesting attachment (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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